Wednesday, December 28, 2005

On our second day, we visited the “Kisto House,” now more affectionately known as “Margaret’s Kids.” Soon after arriving there, I was blessed to have Leanna placed in my arms, her age was vague, but I would guess 6 or 7 months. As I held her and walked around I was compelled to step back and look around at the enormous amount of activity going on. I became overwhelmed by the presence of the Lord. Our team was hard at work. There were children trying on sneakers, our construction team working away on the bathroom (outside at this point so right in the midst of us)…other team members were still fixing the tree we decorated with the kids, others handing out snacks. Our teens were giving small lessons on their instruments that we had brought to minister in song, and still others were preparing the bicycles that would be brought in shortly. Everyone on our team had found a purpose, most without any direction, just lead by God spirit. It was a beautiful sight and one I will never forget.

As Leanna leaned her head on my shoulder, I became more focused on her and thought of my own children at this needy age, and realized how her moments with such intimacy were far different than those my children experienced at that age. It made me want to hold her tighter, as though that would carry her over somehow. She never cried, fussed, or complained. She just settled herself into my arms and knew it was safe. Handing her back to one of the teenage volunteers was hard; I prayed a silent blessing on her and kissed her little head. “Bye Leanna. May you someday find comfort in the loving arms of Jesus, may you come to know His love, His power, and His desire to give you a future and a hope.”